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"Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft"

By admin | May 16th, 2009 | Featured

As many people already know identity theft is becoming a major problem and is already costing the UK close to £2 billion a year. Whilst consumers have become more aware of the dangers of certain actions that could increase the risk of identity theft, fraudsters have started using increasingly sophisticated technology in order to get the information that they need to carry out this sort of crime, although in some cases they are able to resort to the basics and still get away with it because some consumers simply are not vigilant or careful enough with their details.

Of course, it is not only consumers that have to be careful. In some cases businesses, such as banks and government agencies, have been guilty of putting consumers at risk of becoming victims of identity theft and fraud due to carelessness with confidential details.

It is important for all consumers in the current climate to be more careful with their details in order to avoid being victims of this crime. The Internet has made it easier for fraudsters to carry out crime such as this, and most will seize any opportunity to try and get the details that they need from unsuspecting online consumers. For example, phishing is one way in which fraudsters are often able to get a person’s details, and this is where they send an email linking to a fake website to consumers, who are then asked to enter certain personal and account details, which the fraudster can then access. This is why you should never enter any personal and account details into a website that you have linked to via an email, as no matter how authentic it looks it could be a fake website that has been set up to obtain details such as these.

People that make purchases using their credit card online are also at risk of becoming victims of fraud and identity theft, as hackers can obtain details in some cases and can then use them to conduct CNP or Card Not Present fraud, where transactions can be made without the card actually having to be shown, such as with telephone and online transactions.

When you use your credit card to make purchases online make sure that you are using a secure website that uses encryption software to protect your details from hackers. Also, avoid saving card and account information on the computer, as this could make it easier for fraudster to get their hands on the information that they need.

Whilst many fraudsters do use more sophisticated methods to get the information that they need, some are happy to rely on the age old and simple methods such as rummaging through bins and bags outside to try and find details. Sadly, many people still think nothing of throwing their banks and card statements as well as other sensitive paperwork into the trash rather than shredding it. This is all the fraudster needs to commit identity theft and fraud, so you must ensure that you are careful to shred and carefully dispose of paperwork that has sensitive information on.

A regular check of your credit report will enable you to pick up on any suspicious activity in relation to your finances, so it is a good idea to check this on a regular basis. If you see any transactions or attempted transactions that you do not recognise get them looked into right away, as not only could you have been a victim or actual or attempted identity fraud, but your credit rating may also be suffering as a result of this.

Tags: Card Not Present fraud, credit card fraud, id theft, identity theft

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